/ 15 November 2005

Gambler sues casino that let him lose

A ruined French gambler on Monday sued a casino for failing to prevent him losing his money. Jean-Philippe Bryk (44) claimed the Grand Cafe casino in the spa town of Vichy owed him a duty of ”information, advice and loyalty”.

Bryk won about €16 000 on his first two visits in 1995, but lost nearly € 742 810 over the next eight years. ”The staff watched him get addicted, watched him lose control, and kept inviting him back with free dinners,” said his lawyer, Gilles-Jean Portejoie.

A spokesperson for the casino said the ”idea of gambling is that one runs the risk of losing”. – Guardian Unlimited Â